Latest Stories
Contesting Prabowo Subianto’s Polite Democracy
The Indonesian leader claims to support democracy, but only in terms of a stifling notion of national "unity."
Vietnam Pledges to Crack Down on Illicit Transshipment of Chinese Goods: Report
The Trump administration claims that Vietnam's lopsided trade surplus with the U.S. has been inflated by fraudulently rerouted goods from China.
ASEAN Expresses ‘Concern’ Over US Tariffs, But Seeks Dialogue
Could the growing economic turmoil encourage greater unity within the 10-nation regional bloc?
The US Is MIA in Myanmar’s Earthquake Response
Even if moral or humanitarian factors do not bother Trump’s administration, geopolitical strategic consequences should.
Satire on Trial: Temirlan Yensebek in Kazakh Court for Using a Rude Rap Track
An offensive 20-year-old rap song may land a Kazakh satirist in jail for seven years. But there's more to the case than a rude song.
China-US Trade War About Whose Economy More Resilient: Leading Chinese Scholar
Zheng Yongnian provides his recommendations for China to “remain undefeatable” amid both tariffs and the broader competition with the U.S.
Most Read
Taking Stock of China’s Polar Fleet
China’s maritime capabilities in the Arctic remain limited, but domestic research activities suggest a concerted effort to strengthen its presence in the polar regions.
Southeast Asia Slammed By President Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
Nine of the region's 11 nations have been hit with reciprocal tariffs that could devastate local industries – and create a strategic opening for China.
Inside Cambodia’s Political Doomsday Sect
In a tranquil compound at the foot of sacred Mount Kulen, a former opposition politician is preparing his followers for the apocalypse.
Magazine
Adani’s Controversial Footprint in India’s Neighborhood (and Elsewhere)
The growth of the Adani Group, especially overseas, has mirrored Modi’s political ascendancy. As a result, controversy involving Adani projects causes backlash against India as a whole.
Cambodia: The Unbearable Memory of the Khmer Rouge
April 17, 1975 – the day Phnom Penh fell – can perhaps never be fully reappropriated because of the strong sense of shame and pain that surrounds it.
Will Lee Jae-myung Rise From South Korea’s Political Chaos?
Lee Jae-myung’s strategic bet – that he can leverage widespread public discontent without further deepening societal divisions – will pose a key test for South Korea’s democracy.
Larry Diamond on the Importance of US Foreign Aid
“Ending aid is not a strategy to make America great again. It’s a strategy to make America resented and isolated in the world.”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
China-US Trade War About Whose Economy More Resilient: Leading Chinese Scholar
Zheng Yongnian provides his recommendations for China to “remain undefeatable” amid both tariffs and the broader competition with the U.S.
Halting the BRI Won’t Be Enough to Stop China’s Spreading Influence in Central America
The China-US Trade War Is in Full Swing
Taiwan’s Youth Are Not Defeatist — and The Data Proves It
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
Ukraine Claims Capture of Chinese Fighting With Russia in Donetsk
Zelenskyy claims that Kyiv has information on at least 155 Chinese citizens fighting with the Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.
The Historical Great Powers of Asia: Introduction
Between China’s Advance and America’s Retreat: Europe’s Quest for Strategic Autonomy
Tracking Conflict in the Asia-Pacific: April 2025 Update
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
The BM-04 Missile: India’s Next-Generation Conventional Counterforce Weapon
The BM-04 missile development confirms a military doctrine aimed at conducting limited operations under the nuclear umbrella at conventional and subconventional levels.
With Rutte Visit, Japan and NATO Seek ‘Next Level’ of Cooperation
Reimagining India’s Blue Water Navy: Toward a Comprehensive Maritime Doctrine for the Indian Ocean
US Anti-ship Missile System to Have Extended Deployment in Philippines: Report
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Contesting Prabowo Subianto’s Polite Democracy
The Indonesian leader claims to support democracy, but only in terms of a stifling notion of national "unity."
ASEAN Expresses ‘Concern’ Over US Tariffs, But Seeks Dialogue
Indonesia Ready to Temporarily Shelter Palestinians From Gaza, President Says
Myanmar Junta’s Affirms December Election Despite Earthquake Chaos
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
The India-US Nuclear Deal: Untying the Gordian Knot of Nuclear Liability
Amending India’s nuclear liability law could be the key to fully reviving the deal – and the Indian nuclear energy market.
Mahrang Baloch Takes on the Might of the Pakistani State
From Revolution to Reform: The BNP’s Uphill Battle in a New Bangladesh
Modi’s India Is a Dangerous Place for Standup Comedians
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
Unlocking India-South Korea Trade Opportunities: Insights from the Recent Partnership Economic Forum in Seoul
Amid Trump’s tariffs, the economic partnership between India and South Korea becomes more critical for both sides.
Yoon Suk-yeol’s Dark Legacy for South Korea
South Korea’s Risky Bet on Online Regulation
The Constitutional Questions Being Considered in President Yoon’s Impeachment Case
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Japan and Europe Should Forge Ahead With Their Own Alliance, Without the US
Amid growing doubts about the reliability of the United States, Japan is rapidly repositioning itself as Europe’s most important security partner in Asia.
Japan Enacts FY 2025 Budget After Rare Revisions
US, Japan ‘Stand Firmly Together’ in the Face of Aggressive Chinese Actions
In Japan, the Radicalness of Yamamoto Taro Meets the Moment
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
American Leaders Should Hold the Taliban Accountable, Not Engage With Them
It’s past time for the U.S. and the international community to use the tools at their disposal – such as expanding targeted sanctions – to hold the Taliban to account.
The US Is MIA in Myanmar’s Earthquake Response
Regulating Timber Plantations Key to Protecting Land Rights in Malaysia
Kazakhstan and Europe: Building the Backbone of a Resilient Global Economy
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Satire on Trial: Temirlan Yensebek in Kazakh Court for Using a Rude Rap Track
An offensive 20-year-old rap song may land a Kazakh satirist in jail for seven years. But there's more to the case than a rude song.
Tajikistan Criminalizes Electricity Use Fraud Amid Energy Crisis
Andijan Taxi Driver Sentenced for Attempt to Recruit Uzbeks into the Russian War in Ukraine
Mongolia and Czechia Become Comprehensive Partners
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
Vietnam Pledges to Crack Down on Illicit Transshipment of Chinese Goods: Report
The Trump administration claims that Vietnam's lopsided trade surplus with the U.S. has been inflated by fraudulently rerouted goods from China.
The Case for the US and Bhutan to Establish Formal Diplomatic Relations
The Modern Triumvirate: Trump, Xi, and Musk
Trump’s Subtle Shift on China: From Economic Coercion to Military Confrontation
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
How India Should Respond to Trump’s Tariff Threat
India should take this opportunity to drop tariffs on US manufacturers to zero – for reasons that go far beyond Trump's “Liberation Day.”
Asia Holds a Few Trump Cards in the Global Trade War
Trade, Tariffs and Trump in Southeast Asia
Parsing ASEAN’s Response to President Trump’s ‘Reciprocal’ Tariffs
Oceania
The South Pacific
Rabuka’s Support for Trump Doesn’t Earn Fiji Reprieve From US Tariffs
Recent developments should draw attention to the moral costs of Rabuka’s decision to unreservedly embrace both Trump and Israel.
Cooperation, Coordination, and Strategic Denial: Echoes and Lessons from Cold War Oceania
Australia’s Confidence Problem
Australia’s Upcoming Election: The Independent Factor
Videos
Asia on Video
What’s Driving Taiwan’s Mass Protests?
Chiang Min-yen, a non-resident fellow at the Taiwan Economic Democracy Union, joins The Diplomat to discuss the concerns over the bill, the China factor, and what comes next.
What’s Behind Vietnam’s Political Upheaval?
The Danger of China’s Digital Silk Road
What Will China’s Shift From Oil Mean for Saudi Arabia and Russia?
Podcasts
Asia Geopolitics
Trump, Tariffs, and America’s Global Messaging
The Asia Geopolitics podcast discusses the latest developments in Washington and their implications for Asia policy.
Duterte in The Hague: The Philippines and the Geopolitics of International Law
Is the United States Relitigating Its Grand Strategy?
DeepSeek and the AI Competition
Photo Essays
Asia in Pictures
The Untold Stories of Peshawar’s Gemstone Market at Namak Mandi
Pakistan’s largest and most important gemstone and mineral market is deeply intertwined with the region’s borders, conflict, and undocumented economies.